Pay Up, Traveler! Foreign Traffic Fines Might Catch Up With You
International Enforcement of Foreign Penalty Payments: Understanding the Timing
Ignoring a traffic fine from your vacation spot? Not a good idea, according to ADAC. Fines from EU countries, Austria, and Switzerland can be enforced in Germany if they exceed €70, €25, and €85, respectively.
Ignore at your own risk - the Federal Office of Justice takes care of enforcing such fines, and private debt collection agencies don't have the authority to do so.
Hurry Up and Pay: Discounts are a Real Thing!
But why wait for the Federal Office of Justice to knock on your door? Paying promptly can land you some sweet discounts in Spain (50% off in 20 days) and Italy (30% off within five days). Other countries offer similar discounts.
Be Prepared for Surprises
Unpaid traffic fines could be an unwelcome surprise on your next vacation in the same country. In Italy, fines become statute-barred after five years, and in Spain, after four years. But vacationers might still face enforcement during traffic checks or at the passport control at an airport in the destination country.
Language Barrier? No Protection!
Contrary to common belief, points and driving bans only apply in the country where the traffic offense was committed. However, the European Union is contemplating enforcing driving bans throughout Europe, according to ADAC.
More than just Fines:Foreign traffic fines can be enforced in the country of residence under specific conditions, depending on international agreements, local laws, and cooperation between countries.
- International Agreements: Reciprocal agreements between countries often facilitate cross-border enforcement. For instance, EU countries have agreements that allow for fines to be enforced in the country of residence under the European Union's Mutual Recognition of Financial Penalties framework.
- Local Laws: Countries without specific international agreements might handle foreign fines according to local regulations. For example, many countries do not enforce foreign traffic fines directly unless there is a specific agreement.
- Cooperation Between Countries: Countries may cooperate on a case-by-case basis, sending notices to the driver's country of residence or withholding driving privileges to enforce unpaid fines.
Specific Cases:
- Spain: If you are a resident in Spain, fines from other European countries can be enforced due to the EU framework. If you're not a resident, fines might be issued on the spot or through rental companies if you rented a vehicle.
- Morocco: Morocco doesn't have a specific agreement for cross-border enforcement of traffic fines. Foreign drivers are expected to pay fines on the spot or risk having their driver's license confiscated.
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa.
- Community policies regarding traffic fines should be considered by travelers, as they may impact employment in Germany, especially if the fine exceeds €70, €25, or €85 from EU countries, Austria, or Switzerland respectively.
- In the case of fines from countries like Spain and Italy, employment policy advantages can be gained by paying promptly, with Spain offering a 50% discount within 20 days and Italy offering a 30% discount within five days.
- Employment policies in the transportation industry should be aware of traffic fine enforcement practices in different countries, as unpaid fines can lead to hassles during traffic checks or at passport control on subsequent vacations.
- The sports and sports-betting industry, particularly auto-racing, should also note that cross-border enforcement of traffic fines is not just limited to fines but can also include driving bans, thanks to international agreements and cooperative efforts between countries.
